FROM CASUAL TO GLAM: DATE NIGHT OUTFITS FOR EVERY OCCASION

Whether it’s the very first date or an evening out with your long-term partner, there’s no denying those date night butterflies. We love the excitement, but it can be a real buzzkill when you can’t decide what to wear.

Date night outfits should make you feel incredible. It’s always nice if their jaw drops, but most importantly, you want to feel like the best version of yourself. You want something that reflects your unique style, you want to feel comfy yet chic, and you don’t want to overdress - but you don’t want to undress either. There’s a real knack to getting the balance, but we’ve got it covered!

Just consider us your personal stylist, because we’re about to give you the lowdown on how to create the perfect outfit. From casual date night looks for cinema trips, to fancy dresses for glammed-up dinners, we have all the outfit inspo with styling tips, so you’ll always have a feel-good fit ready for every kind of date night.

What to Wear on a Casual Date Night

Casual dates are the perfect chance to show off your style. Whether you’re grabbing coffee or seeing a movie, heading for brunch or a more relaxed dinner, you want your outfit to feel comfy, chic, and not too overdressed.

The perfect casual date night outfits are all about elevating everyday staples - wear your go-to jeans with a statement top, for example. If you want something slightly smarter, pair a casual dress with boots or trainers, or style a knitted co-ord or chic jumpsuit with a cute cardigan and flats.

Balance is key here. Pair one dressy item with one casual item - like a blazer layered over a tee - to avoid feeling overdressed. Turn to high-quality basics, make sure they’re the perfect fit, and avoid adding too many accessories, or it can start to feel dressy, fast. By mixing sophisticated and comfy staples, you’ll get a polished look that’s just the right amount of casual.

Date Night Dress Ideas for Dinner and Drinks

Nothing says ‘date night’ quite like dinner and drinks, but what you wear to a cosy bistro and local bar will be worlds away from what you’d wear to a Michelin-starred restaurant and chic cocktail bar. Before you decide between an elegant dress and jeans and a nice top, check out where you’re going to make sure you hit the right vibe.

Date Night Dresses

When you’re being wined and dined at one of the fancier places in town, a dress will always be a good outfit choice. 

You want to feel your best, so start by finding a style that suits you and your shape. Wrap dresses are great for accentuating the waist, slip dresses skim beautifully over your curves, and bodycon dresses with flattering details can effortlessly highlight your best bits.

Next, the design. You’ll want to pick something to suit the vibe of the night, so think rich jewel tones for all-out elegance, neutrals for understated chic, or patterns and florals for a more upbeat look.

Have fun with the accessories and use them to put your unique spin on date night outfits. A leather jacket brings an edgy finish, strappy heels can give a polished feel, and a crossbody bag makes your outfit versatile, perfect for hopping between different bars.

Tailored Jumpsuits

If dresses aren’t your thing, a sleek jumpsuit makes a fabulous modern alternative. They’re just as chic and (even more?) comfy. Always bringing class and sophistication to the table, they’re so flattering, your confidence is guaranteed to shine through. Pair it with statement earrings and block heels, and you’ll get that showstopping dressed-up look, no dress required. Trust us, all eyes will be on you - your date won’t know what’s hit them!

The best part? They’re endlessly versatile. Just watch, we bet you’ll end up adding them to your ‘going out’ rotation! Whether you style them again for desk to drinks or an extra-special event, simply mix up your layers and accessories for a chic look that suits every setting and occasion.

Jeans and a Dressy Top

Is a smart-casual restaurant on the menu? You can always count on jeans and a nice top to create the perfect date night outfit. High-waisted jeans are always a winner. By accentuating the waist and elongating the legs, they create the most stunning silhouette! This feel-good base deserves a statement top to set it off, so choose a silky shirt, sequin cami or puff-sleeve blouse to suit your style and bring out your confidence.

To elevate the outfit even further, pick out your favourite boots, heeled boots or slingback heels, and you can even layer more understated tops with a chic blazer.

Skirt and Top Combinations

If you like the vibe of jeans and a top but want something a tad dressier, a skirt and top will always have your back. Dressed up or dressed down, it’ll take you anywhere from a snug pizza place to the most classy cocktail bar.

For a super flattering combo, style a midi skirt with a cami or wrap top - it’ll show off your curves in the very best way! If you’re after an edgier feel, a cool leather-look skirt and blouse will be just as chic.

When it comes to picking out the shoes, think about the venue first. Ankle boots are great for a more laid-back spot, but fancier places could call for heels instead. The same goes for layering and accessories - a leather jacket is perfect for a casual vibe, but we’d recommend a smarter coat and statement jewellery if you need to dress up the outfit.

Outdoor Date Night Looks

When you’re taking date night outdoors, the dress code will have to shift slightly - think layers! We know how temperamental the British weather can be, and the last thing we want is to end a date feeling cold and uncomfortable.

Whether you’re planning a walk on the prom or a picnic in the park, leggings and wide-leg trousers are always a trusty choice for staying comfy and chic - and nice and warm, of course! Add some cosy knitwear, and you’ll be good to go.

In nicer weather, don’t be afraid to pick out a casual dress and style it with comfy trainers - you never know how long you’ll walk and talk if the date’s going well! Still keep layering in mind, though. It’s always worth bringing a denim jacket or oversized cardigan to keep out any unexpected (and unwanted) chills.

Dressy Date Night Outfits for Special Occasions

Of course, you want to look your best for every date night, but special occasions more than ever. From birthdays to anniversaries and checking out that extra-special restaurant on Valentine’s Day, you’ll want to bring a bit of extra glam so you can celebrate in style.

Satin dresses are in right now, and they’re always a reliable pick if you want something classy and elegant. For a modern alternative, dress up a chic jumpsuit with statement jewellery, or choose a gorgeous co-ord in luxe fabric like satin.

The secret to elevating these outfits lies in the finishing touches. For shoes, heels will always bring that refined look. Choose slingbacks for dainty elegance, or block heels if you want a pair that’s easier to wear - again, don’t underestimate the impact of wearing something comfy!

When it comes to accessories, stick to one or two main pieces so you don’t overshadow the rest of your outfit. Think statement earrings and a chic clutch bag, for example. Finish with a sultry makeup look, and you’re guaranteed to be best-dressed. Aim for glowing skin and a creamy blush, make your eyes pop with a stunning shimmery eyeshadow, and don’t forget a bold red lip!